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Library Assistant Jobs in Saskatoon, SK (NOW HIRING)

As a Administrative Assistant for PCL Construction Management Inc. in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, you'll have the opportunity to support the success of the team by delivering high-level administrative ...

As a Administrative Assistant for PCL Construction Management Inc. in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, you'll have the opportunity to support the success of the team by delivering high-level administrative ...

... assistants. * Programming experience in Python. * Familiarity with common machine learning and data science libraries such as scikit-learn, pandas, NumPy, or similar. * Experience working with at ...

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Library Assistant information

What is a library assistant?

Library Assistants are support staff who help ensure the smooth operation of libraries. They assist patrons with finding materials, check books in and out, organize and shelve library items, and help maintain library records. Their duties often include answering basic questions, processing new materials, and supporting librarians in daily tasks. Library Assistants play an important role in making the library a welcoming and organized space for everyone.

What is the difference between Library Assistant vs Library Technician?

AspectLibrary AssistantLibrary Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may prefer post-secondary courseworkPost-secondary education or certification in library technology or related field
Work EnvironmentPublic, school, or academic libraries; routine tasks assisting patrons and organizing materialsMore technical tasks, cataloging, managing digital resources, supporting library systems
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in public and educational libraries; entry-level positionFound in larger libraries, academic institutions, and specialized settings; requires more technical skills

The main difference between a Library Assistant and a Library Technician lies in their responsibilities and required qualifications. Library Assistants handle routine patron service and organization tasks, often with minimal formal education. In contrast, Library Technicians perform more technical duties like cataloging and managing digital resources, requiring additional training or certification. Both roles are essential in supporting library operations, but Library Technicians typically have a higher level of technical expertise and responsibilities.

What would a library assistant do?

A library assistant helps with tasks such as checking books in and out, shelving and organizing library materials, assisting patrons in locating resources, and maintaining the cleanliness and order of the library. They often use library management software and may need good customer service skills and attention to detail.

What are some common challenges library assistants face, and how can they effectively handle them?

Library Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing high volumes of patron requests, maintaining accurate organization of materials, and adapting to new library technologies. To handle these effectively, it's important to develop strong organizational skills, practice clear communication with patrons and colleagues, and stay up to date with library management systems. Regular training and seeking support from senior staff can also help Library Assistants navigate busy periods and technology updates with confidence.

What qualifications do you need for a library assistant?

Library assistants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Some positions may require basic computer skills and familiarity with library management software; additional certifications are not usually required but can be beneficial.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Library Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Library Assistant, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent, with some roles preferring library science coursework or experience. Familiarity with library cataloging systems, integrated library software (like Koha or Aleph), and basic computer applications is typically required. Excellent customer service, communication, and teamwork abilities help Library Assistants effectively support patrons and library staff. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining efficient library operations, ensuring accurate resource management, and providing a welcoming environment for users.

Can you be a library assistant with no experience?

Library assistants typically do not need prior experience, as many employers provide on-the-job training. Basic skills such as organization, communication, and familiarity with library systems or technology can be helpful, but entry-level positions often accept applicants without previous experience.

What does a Library Assistant do?

Library assistants support the head librarian in operating the library and maintaining its materials. Other responsibilities include cataloging books, movies, audio resources, reference materials, slides, and microfilm. Library assistants inspect these items regularly for damage or missing pieces, especially while they are checking out resources to library patrons. As a library assistant, you must enjoy helping visitors locate materials, as well as providing technical assistance as needed. While a library assistant job does not require education beyond a high school diploma or equivalent, job seekers pursuing a career as a librarian will need a master’s degree in library science or a related field.

Is it hard to be a library assistant?

Being a library assistant generally involves tasks such as organizing materials, helping patrons, and using library management software. The job requires good organizational skills, attention to detail, and customer service abilities, but it is not typically considered physically or mentally demanding. Training is often provided, and the work environment is usually quiet and structured.
What are the most commonly searched types of Library jobs in Saskatoon, SK? The most popular types of Library jobs in Saskatoon, SK are:
What are popular job titles related to Library Assistant jobs in Saskatoon, SK? For Library Assistant jobs in Saskatoon, SK, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Library Assistant jobs in Saskatoon, SK look for? The top searched job categories for Library Assistant jobs in Saskatoon, SK are:
What cities near Saskatoon, SK are hiring for Library Assistant jobs? Cities near Saskatoon, SK with the most Library Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Library Assistant job openings in Saskatoon, SK as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Remote job distribution.

Library Assistant, Public Services

University of Saskatchewan

Saskatoon, SK • On-site

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

As one of Canada's leading research libraries, the University Library serves as the intellectual hub of USask, providing resources, services, and spaces that facilitate inquiry, discovery, and knowledge creation. The University Library is committed to developing welcoming, responsive, and accessible services and resources to support our diverse clientele, with a strategic focus on Indigenous peoples.

Primary Purpose: To provide high-quality client-focused library services to the USask community and to external users.

Nature of Work: Reporting to the Public Service supervisor, this position provides effective and efficient client service in support of the operations and Strategic Framework of the University Library. Work is performed in a dynamic service-oriented environment with competing tasks and priorities. Duties are routine, involving knowledge and understanding of the resources and functions related to the University Library. The professional image of the library must be presented by interacting knowledgeably and courteously with a variety of people as this position is driven by high customer service standards. This role involves frequent interaction with library clients and employees, members of the public, and other university employees who provide services to the library. The work requires strong communication and customer service skills with emphasis on resolving customer needs. Work is performed independently with direct support from the supervisor.  Judgment is exercised within established library policies, practices, and guidelines.  The need to be flexible and meet a variety of service standards and expectations from clients and colleagues is required.

Typical Duties or Accountabilities:

  • Provide a range of operational support duties associated with the Public Service group (circulation services, course reserves, serials and collections maintenance, cash handling, etc.).
  • Provide work-related guidance, support and direction to student and or/casuallibrary assistants.
  • Complete all aspects of circulation of library materials (checkout, check-in, holds, shelving, processing library materials, filing, etc.).
  • Provide excellent customer assistance and support at the Library Services desk; respond to general inquiries in-person and by telephone (directional questions; providing assistance in the use of library equipment; providing information on library policies and procedures; assisting patrons with website navigation; assessing information queries and referring appropriately).
  • Address client issues and disputes using established methods and practices; refer complex situations to supervisor, as necessary.
  • Ensure all work is conducted in compliance with Canadian Copyright Legislation and database licensing
  • Perform various tasks related to collection maintenance (shelving, shifting, inventory, processing library materials, etc.)
  • Assist in the general upkeep, monitoring and maintenance of library spaces, report problems to Facilities as necessary.
  • Complete opening and/or closing duties.
  • Undertake short or long-term project work to support library priorities as determined by the supervisor and/or operations manager.

Education: Completion of a relevant post-secondary program plus minimum of one years' experience working in a library. 

Experience:

  • Relevant library and public services experience would be considered an asset. 
  • Demonstrated experience working collaboratively and independently
  • Experience using Microsoft Office applications in a networked environment.
  • Experience with a library management system is considered an asset.

Skills:

  • Demonstrated ability to organize work, set priorities, meet deadlines, work independently, use initiative, and effectively handle disruptions.
  • Demonstrated ability to learn and use a variety of software
  • Demonstrated ability to provide excellent customer service in a positive, polite and professional manner.
  • Demonstrated ability to use judgment and apply effective investigative, analytical and problem-solving skills. 
  • Demonstrated effective interpersonal, written and verbal communication (consistently tactful, responsive, pleasant, effective, diplomatic and discrete).
  • Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with others in a team environment. 
  • Demonstrated flexibility to adapt to change and engage and support others in the change process.
  • Excellent attention to detail.
  • Reliable, dependable, and self-motivated.
  • Possesses the physical ability to perform moderately heavy lifting.